The Four Beta Brothers
Chapter 39

AXEL

Candles flickered in their last moments of life when I got back to the apartment, and there was untouched food on the table. My heart sank as I went around, blowing out the dying flames. Juniper's stuff was still sitting by the door, and I knew exactly how the evening had gone down.

I told myself that when Juniper chose Asher, I would back off. I would force myself to stop loving her. I wanted them to be happy so much that I was willing to sacrifice my own happiness in the process. I just didn't expect it to hurt this much. Juniper made me happier than anyone had ever before, even as we hung out just as friends.

And when I saw her in that dress...

I almost didn't stop myself in that dressing room. I almost gave in to my temptation and took her as my own. She wanted it. I smelled her arousal and knew she was fighting temptation as much as I was. Asher was the only thing that stopped us, and it was getting harder and harder to know if that was enough anymore.

Even now, I pictured Juniper lying in his arms peacefully. They were likely falling asleep, worn out from the evening. They probably confessed their love to each other, and they were on track to live the happily ever after I doubted I'd ever get. I went to my room after putting out the fire hazard they had left in their haste. I locked the door, and then I leaned against it. My body felt heavy, and my legs gave out, making me slide to the floor. I slammed my head back, clenching my teeth. I was a fool to think I had a chance to ever be with Juniper. Even now, when I had already lost, I couldn't give up the small part of me wishing she'd wake up and realize I was the best choice.

I slammed my head back, desperate to feel physical pain. I knew how to process physical pain. Mental pain was too much. I didn't want to think about how much it hurt knowing Asher got to touch Juniper in all of the ways I had wanted to. I didn't want to think that if I had tried a little harder earlier, she could be in my bed instead.

I didn't want to think about the fact that she still liked me, and if I fought for her, there was a chance I could steal her from Asher.

***

JUNIPER

The days flew by in a blissful blur. Asher and I couldn't get enough of each other, and there was hardly any time spent apart outside of class. We were practically glued at the hips. I had even started sleeping over at his place every night. "Just don't go," Asher said, as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

I rolled my eyes. He had been trying to convince me to stay longer for the past hour, and he had been successful multiple times by pulling me into a kiss or rubbing my inner thighs. He quickly learned my sensitive spots, and he used them against me, knowing I'd melt under his touch.

We had already had s*x twice, and I couldn't delay any longer. "I have to go get ready." I smacked his hand before he pressed the right buttons and weakened my resolve.

"Not if we just stay in all night. Who needs pretty lights and fancy clothes when we could just stay in bed naked?" Asher rolled over, flashing his toned abs at me. With how much sugar he always ate, I was shocked he was still able to keep such an insane physique. He had some of the best genes.

I pulled my shirt on, ignoring his pleas. They had worked once, but I refused to give in. "We can do that any night. Homecoming only happens once a year, and since we're graduating this year, this is the last chance we have to go. You're the one who asked me, and you're not getting out of this now."

Asher pouted his lips. "I know. It's just more fun to spend time with you than being around a bunch of people I couldn't care less about."

"Don't you want to see me in the dress I picked out and dance the night away with me?" I asked, pouting in return. Dances weren't normally my thing. I had been to nearly every one of them because of Moira, and it had felt like a waste of time without someone to dance with. Something about going with Asher actually excited me.

Asher sat up, and the blanket fell off the rest of his body. He looked ready for another round, and it made my throat go dry. If I didn't have to get ready for Homecoming soon, it would've been easy to climb back into bed with him. I forced myself to look away from the temptation.

"Fine, but it's only because I know I'll be able to take your dress off at the end of the night." He bit his lip and looked up at me.

I grabbed the pillow that had fallen on the floor and chucked it at his face. "You're an animal."

He caught the pillow and chuckled. "Don't tell me you're not tempted. I can smell just how tempted you are."

My face flushed, and I turned away to try to hide my reaction. After our first time, it was like a flood gate opened, and I couldn't get enough of Asher. I had never been so ravenous for another person before.

"I'm going now. I'll see you later." I didn't wait for Asher to respond and burst out of his room before he could say something to tempt me into coming back into the room.

In my rush out of the dorm, I bumped into someone. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry."

My chest tightened when I saw I had run into Axel. Ever since we came across each other at the mall, Axel had been strangely absent. Part of me felt like he was avoiding me, but I tried not to overthink it. He was probably just busy with school. He widened his eyes as he looked me over. "In a rush?"

I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. I was sure I looked like a complete mess after rolling around with Asher twice. "I have to get ready for Homecoming."

"Right." Axel nodded, and then his eyes scanned my body. He knew exactly what I had been up to, and that made guilt rush through my veins.

I cleared my throat, trying to shake off the sensation. There was no reason to feel guilty. "Will I see you there?"

Axel hesitated, as if the thought hadn't even occurred to him. "I don't do dances."

Disappointment filled my chest. "Ah, I thought it would be fun to see you there. We could even dance together." That was stupid. I was going with Asher. It shouldn't matter if Axel was going. In fact, it was probably better if he didn't go. Yet, girls danced with others all of the time. It wasn't a big deal, and Axel was my friend. It was an innocent suggestion.

"Tell you what. If you save me a dance, I'll make an appearance."

"I'll see you there," I said, unable to stop my smile from appearing. "I have to go now. I'm already running late." I stepped past Axel, and our arms brushed against each other, making my heart race in the process. It didn't mean anything. It couldn't. I was with Asher, and I thought about him almost non-stop-except in the few moments I was with Axel.

***

ASHER

My hand tightened around the door handle as I listened to Axel and Juniper talking. They sounded awkward, and then they sounded flirty. Why would she ask him to dance like that? It was supposed to be our evening together. And why would Axel actually agree to go? He hated dances. Even when I tried dragging him to a dance in the past, he never agreed to go.

My stomach twisted, and I resisted the urge to burst into the hallway and interrupt whatever this flirting game was with them.

There was no proof they were flirting. Juniper was just being nice. Axel and she were trying to be friends. I was thrilled when I first heard they decided to foster a friendship, especially after Axel had wanted nothing to do with her. I couldn't imagine Axel doing anything to hurt me intentionally.

And Juniper wasn't the type to cheat.

My jealousy was just getting the best of me. Juniper was my girlfriend, and I trusted her completely.

Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on between the two of them.

They wouldn't go behind my back like that.

My chest tightened, uncertainty washing through my system.

Juniper wanted me, right?